Former House Majority Leader Tim Foster and state Sen. Steve King lent their images to a project designed to raise awareness about domestic violence. The Real Men Speak Out campaign was displayed at the state Capitol.

The dramatic black-and-white photos that dotted the state Capitol in recent days were designed to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The Real Men Speak Out campaign was created by Hilltop-Larimer House, which notes its provides individual and group counseling, advocacy, shelter, children’s services, transitional housing, and a 24-hour crisis line for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in Mesa County.

Fifteen men agreed to use their images in the photographs and speak out against domestic violence. Each photograph includes a comment.

“I have seen firsthand the tears, heartache and destruction that domestic violence brings to families,” says Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, an investigator with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department.

“If you are in a violent relationship get help. Your life may depend on it.”

Others participating in the campaign include Capt. Connor Lewis of the U.S. Army, who currently is in Afghanistan, Branden Edwards, 2011 USTRC champion team roper, and Sgt. Lonnie Chavez of the Grand Junction Police Department.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.